buffets = binge eat o_o uncontrollably

My big thing with buffets is never being able to eat enough food to validate spending a stupid amount of money on it! I've gone to two buffets that cost about $21/person for their dinner

buffets are my nightmare. i think it's just another example of americans doing everything to excess.  why can't we just give a little of this food that we have so much of to someone else who has none?

I must disagree with the "low quality food" part. It depends on the buffet. I go to a really nice one that costs about 30 dollars a person (minado, it was called) and I must say it's worth it.

Idrc, I'll still go once in awhile, not like everyday or anything. I never gain any weight from just going and having one dinner their, and I must say, I eat A LOT.

I say if you're healthy, it doesn't matter, but if you're already overweight, it's common sense not to do anything that could make your situation worse.

I do buffets occassionally, and it's something different to do when you are in big groups of people (I do it for the variety, not the quantity).  Also you are just as likely to get sick in any other establisment (it's happened to me in a regular restaurant).  Totally unfounded.

No reason for the guilt trips.  You can do that same damage or worse at a regular restaurant, especially where you only get to try one thing so you're going to choose the one that tastes best and is probably the worst for you.  At least at a buffet you can get a small piece of those bad things so you'll get to taste them, but don't have to make it the whole plate.  The salad bars do include low-fat dressing options.  Portion sizes are huge at other restaurants and pretty much fill you up, so the total amount eaten may not be any different.  I don't think the expensive ones are worth it, though, for that reason.  I go to the cheap ones - not the best quality food, but lots of variety and no waiting time.  Good deal on California rolls.

Our way of doing it - schedule it so that it's the only major meal of the day (like a late lunch, with only a small snack later).  Work out right before to still be burning calories faster.  And don't overeat just because we could.

@MissPixieGlitter@xanga - I want to go to the one at the Bellagio! I know it would probably be clean.....

@artemis_tx@xanga - I 100% agree with what you wrote.  My husband and I go to the Chinese buffets (rarely), but when we do, I usually eat a lot of fruit, sushi, and soup.  My kids like the noodles, and my husband can eat what he likes (which isn't always good, but protein after a workout is usually a good thing).  And we can do it all under $20 (my kids are 2 and 3, and most establishments don't count them as separate for buffets) at the moment.... that's less than it would be for me to eat at a Japanese steakhouse (and just consume sushi).  

F-That!!  Double Dave's Pizza Buffet rocks!!  I tear that up at least once a month, twice a week in the summer.  Can't beat all you can eat pizza after a day at the pool with beers!!

I go to buffets, but it's a very rare occassion (and I usually try to eat a salad or something before chowing down to prevent from over stuffing). It;s the dessert bar that's the danger zone for me lol

I like going to buffets a couple times a year. 
The thing I like about them is I can have all my favorite foods in one meal.

For as long as I can remember, my family has always gone to buffets, and overtime I got annoyed. Same food, it seems. They prefer oriental foods. They do have fruits but it's really hard trying to eat healthy. I try to avoid them now.